FAQ
Water Well Driller FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a water well driller.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a water well driller: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about water well drillers
Do water well drillers need a license?
Many states require one.
Do drillers need a degree?
No, training is on the job.
Is geothermal drilling growing?
Geothermal heat pumps are creating more drilling work in some regions.
How much does a water well driller make?
The median annual wage for water well drillers was $60,190 ($28.94 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,460 and the highest 10% earned more than $83,800.
How long does it take to become a water well driller?
Most people need about 1–3 years of training. A high school diploma and a few years of experience are typical, plus long on-the-job training. Many states license drillers.
Do you need a degree to be a water well driller?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Is water well driller a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +3.6% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 1,400 openings each year. Upsides include provide clean water; a common challenge is that physically demanding.
What skills does a water well driller need?
Key technical skills include drill rig operation, geology basics, casing and grouting, and pump installation. Employers also value problem solving, independence, and customer service.
What certifications are available for water well drillers?
Common credentials include State water well driller license, NGWA Certified Well Driller, CDL, and IGSHPA geothermal driller. Many states license water well drillers and require well logs and construction standards.
Still deciding?
Try the Water Well Driller fit quiz, compare with Rotary Drill Operator, or explore Water Well Driller training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-5023 (Earth drillers, except oil and gas).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Earth drillers, except oil and gas (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.